Ruby Sawyer Burroughs

1920 - 2014

Ruby Sawyer Burroughs

Virginia Beach - Ruby Sawyer Burroughs, 94, a resident of Westminster-Canterbury, Virginia Beach, passed away on July 30, 2014. Born June 11, 1920, in Norfolk, Virginia, to the late Ruth Hudson Sawyer and Mervin Sawyer, she was truly a devoted wife of Allan Christian Burroughs for 50 years who predeceased her in 1990 after a long illness. From the time of their marriage she was a full-time homemaker whose family was the center of her life.

Mrs. Burroughs is predeceased by her sister Doris Herring and brothers Melvin Sawyer and Milton Sawyer.

Mrs. Burroughs is survived by two daughters, Sandra B. Manning (William S.) of Glen Allen, Virginia, and Carole B. McNeel (Lowrey) of Atlanta, Georgia; three grandsons, William S. Manning Jr. (Susan), Jeffrey A. Manning (Kim), and Scott F. Manning (Vicki); seven great-grandchildren, Kyle, Andrew, Ashleigh, Meghan, Matthew, Austin, and Logan Manning. She was a dear aunt to Patricia Pennington, who faithfully visited and cared for her; and also aunt to Betty Ballance, Sherrie Roman, and Thomas Sawyer. Mrs. Burroughs often referred to a dear family friend, Carolyn F. Lockie, as her third daughter.

She was a life-long active member of the Presbyterian Church, both in Norfolk and Virginia Beach and was last active at Bayside Presbyterian Church. She loved and welcomed every opportunity to travel. She also cherished being an active member of the Community Bible Study Group for over 30 years.

A life-time gardener with the ability to work in her garden all day, she was described by so many as a most elegant "Southern Lady", who always enjoyed entertaining her family, friends, and all guests.

Ruby S. Burroughs will be dearly missed by her extended family and Westminster-Canterbury friends in Virginia Beach, where a Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2014 at 2:30pm with Rev. Dr. Greg Dalle-Tezze and Rev. Dr. Richard J. Keever officiating. A reception will follow.

Memorial donations may be made to the Holy Trinity Chapel, Westminster-Canterbury, 3100 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach 23451 or at www.wcbay.com.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at the Virginian-Pilot and Altmeyer Funeral Home at www.altmeyer.com.